My Spiritual Guide to New York City

May 21, 15

So on my recent trip to New York, I didn’t do any of the typical touristy things- no Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Broadway show or any museums. It’s not that I think there’s anything wrong with these things, it’s just not what I was there for! My week in New York was all about smoothies, meditating, yoga, and walking through the many amazing Manhattan neighbourhoods. I had the most amazing time, and now I am so excited to share with you My Spiritual Guide to New York City.

The following are all of the spiritually centred places and spaces that I visited in NYC.

Strala Yoga: Yoga superstar Tara Stiles’ studio is everything I imagined a New York studio would look like: bright, high ceilings, zen, and so cool. Tara teaches tons of classes, so you should have no trouble making it to one of hers, but the other instructors are amazing as well (I went to three classes while I was in the city). I got to chat with Tara after one of her classes, and she was so sweet and friendly and easy to talk to. Get a 1 week pass for only $20!

Jivamukti Yoga and Cafe: I love Jivamukti Yoga, and so I was so excited to check out its birthplace at the Jivamukti Studio in NYC. Spotty for a class or workshop before heading over to their cafe for a delicious healthy post yoga meal or smoothie!

Golden Bridge Yoga: I have to say this was my favourite studio in the city. I love Kundalini yoga, and this is Gurmukhi’s New York studio. Check it out for powerful Kundalini classes and amazing workshops. I did 2 classes there and they were so awesome. As soon as I got back to Halifax, I signed up for their Online Studio. It doesn’t say on their website, but you can get a 2 week pass for $30.

The Path: I don’t know if it was a coincidence or not, but my favourite and most peaceful day in New York was the one that I started with The Path’s morning meditation. The Path leads 40 minute meditations a few times a week, and each meditation incorporates a few different techniques (in the one I went to, we did Kundalini Kriyas, Body Awareness, and Focused Breathing techniques). Sessions are $20 and details are available on their site.

ABC Carpet & Home: Not only is this a home decor wonderland, it also hosts tons of spiritual events and lectures. There were none going on when I was there, but check out their event listings. I went anyway because it’s an amazing place to see (6 floors of beautiful home decor and accessories),and they have a gorgeous restaurant. Teachers like Deepak Chopra and Gabrielle Bernstein hold events here, and Elena Bower holds weekly Saturday yoga classes here!

Miracles Night at Gingersnap’s Organic: On Wednesday evenings from 8-9, Gingersnaps Organic hosts Miracles Night, a lively and down to earth discussion of the teachings of A Course In Miracles, led by Bridget Trama. I’d been casually studying The Course for a year and a half, but I’d never gone to a group discussion on the material, so I really enjoyed this! It’s a pretty young crown, which is fun, but all ages are welcome! There’s a suggested donation of $10, and it fills up quick so you need to email in advance to secure your spot!

Oh and don’t forget to go back during the day to grab a smoothie and peruse their spiritual library

Parks: There are so many beautiful parks in the city, and I went to one almost every day to do some Earthing (so important in a hectic city like New York!) and to read the spiritual books I’d brought with me (True Prosperity and Brida). My favourites were Bryant Park, Washington Square Park, and of course Central Park).

5 Rhythms: I went to a 5 Rhythms class, but to be honest I only stayed for half an our of the 2 hours. It’s a free flowing guided dance class, so they offer guidance but really you’re dancing however you please. I’d taken classes like this before and they’re kind of cool, but I get a bit bored. But if it interests you, check it out!

I didn’t make it to all of the things on my list, so next time I think I’ll check out…

S-Factor: These pole dancing classes, created by Sheila Kelly, are famous! You can get a coupon code on their website.

Maha Rose Centre for Healing: This Brooklyn based healing centre looks so cool! Unfortunately I didn’t make it over to Brooklyn at all (well other than the two times I accidentally took the Subway the wrong direction). I’ll definitely be checking it out next time I’m in the city.

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[…] I’m so excited to be sharing this interview with my friend Kate Horodyski. Kate is the creator of My Spiritual Roadtrip, an inspiring lifestyle blog where she shares her exciting life adventures along with her spiritual journey. She writes about her love of spirituality, smoothies and healthy living. Read about her recent spiritual roadtrip to New York city!!! […]